‘Battle Against Hunger’ event in Cumming to hold large food drive Nov. 10

Martial artists from region to compete

CUMMING, Ga. — The American Taekwondo Association’s martial arts tournament is being held Nov. 10 at Lanier Tech’s Conference center, but the true fight that day is one against hunger.

Cliff Kinsey, CEO and co-founder of the Roswell-based Children’s Restoration Network, will host the 18th annual food drive during the tournament.

The food collected will go to feed 2,800 children in group homes.

“Group homes is just a fancy word for orphanages,” Kinsey explained.

“We want these kids to have a meal fit for a king or a queen.”

Because a lot of the children receive free meals at school, this is a great way to make sure the food pantries are stocked for them during the holidays, Kinsey said.

Kinsey is asking for gift cards to area supermarkets to be able to purchase turkeys for the group homes.

In addition to the food drive, Master Kevin Mende, a sixth-degree black belt, will host the ATA Regional Tournament held at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 7745 Majors Road in Cumming.

“We both help children,” Mende said. “We’re helping them build their lives and be better and make them positive kids and [Kinsey] is doing the same thing for underprivileged kids.”

ATA schools from all over the Southeast and students of all ages and skill levels will be executing martial arts performances.

There will also be combat weapons division performances and all levels of sparing, including black belts.

Spectator admission is $10.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will help support Children’s Restoration Network’s Thanksgiving food drive.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the food drive and they will be entered into a raffle.

For more information and to buy tickets to this event, visit www.childRN.org or call 770-649-7117.